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The ISG expresses its appreciation to Chuck Knapp
(University of Florida/Shedd Aquarium), Sandra Buckner,

and the Bahamas National Trust for the extensive planning and
organization of a successful ISG Meeting and Species
Management Workshop for the Andros Island Iguana (Cyclura
cychlura cychlura). Special thanks also go to Mike and Petagay
Hartman, of Tiamo Resort, for the fabulous accommodation,
gourmet food, deeply discounted rate, and warm welcome. It was
a truly wonderful meeting that was enjoyed by all.

Blue Iguana Recovery Program
Fred Burton

National Trust for the Cayman Islands
Fourteen months have now passed since Hurricane Ivan, a cate-
gory 4–5 hurricane, tracked along the southern coast of Grand
Cayman causing catastrophic damage to human property and
livelihoods, and delivering dramatic impacts to natural environ-
ments. Aerial photographs eight months after the storm show the

Iguana Specialist Group Meeting
6–7 November 2005

South Andros, Bahamas

116 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2006 2005 ISG MEETING REPORTS

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Resident male Cyclura cychlura cychlura at Tiamo Resort, Andros.

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Participants in the 2005 ISG Meeting and Species Management Workshop (left to right): Rick Hudson, Peter Tolson, Kirsten Hines, Steve Conners,
Tom Wiewandt, Stesha Pasachnik, Joe Burgess, Quentin Bloxam, Ricardo Johnson, Jeff Lemm, Byron Wilson, Karen Graham, John Iverson, Allison
Alberts, Catherine Stephen, Bruce Weissgold, Miguel Garcia, Jan Ramer, Fred Burton, Tandora Grant, Samantha Addinall, Tarren Wagener, Joe
Wasilewski, Sandra Buckner, and Chuck Knapp.

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IGUANA  •  VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2006 1172005 ISG MEETING REPORTS

island’s once extensive Black Mangrove forests shattered and
scarcely beginning recovery, while the dry forests are beginning
to regenerate a closed canopy despite extensive treefall. The xero-
phytic shrubland communities that are habitat for the Grand
Cayman Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi) were only lightly impacted
and appear fully recovered. The captive-breeding and head-start-
ing facility for the Grand Cayman Blue Iguanas, in the QEII
Botanic Park, is now fully restored and has been further expanded
and enhanced since the hurricane.

Twenty-three two-year-old Cyclura lewisi, originally slated
for release at the time the hurricane struck, were finally released
in December 2005, and were radiotracked with assistance from
a team of international volunteers for two months after release
(December 2004–January 2005), and for a further two months
in May and June 2004. After a period of weight loss immediately
post-release, the iguanas established home ranges and foraging
patterns which were characterized in the summer tracking period.
Survival over the first seven months was at least 91%.

Summer usage areas of females was 0.6 acres, surprisingly
similar to summer usage areas determined by Goodman et al., for
larger, mature, free-roaming females in the QEII Botanic Park,
and a single wild adult female tracked by the program in sum-
mer 2005. The released males in the Salina Reserve occupied an
average of 1.4 acres each, with much more extensive overlap in
usage areas. Spacing and overlap of the usage areas indicates the
iguanas chose to maintain a population density of 4–5 iguanas
per hectare in this unnatural setting of a single age class sur-

rounded by unpopulated habitat. A second release, of 70 individ-
uals, is scheduled for December 2005, into the same areas cur-
rently occupied. This release will bring the restored population
in the Salina Reserve to approximately 91 individuals, with rep-
resentation from ten different founder lines. Subsequent releases
will require access to the Salina’s southernmost soil zones.

The studbook continues to be maintained to a high stan-
dard by Tandora Grant (San Diego Zoo/CRES), and is now
informing the program’s release strategy with a goal to reach rep-
resentation by at least 20 different founder lines in each restored
subpopulation by the time each reaches its anticipated carrying
capacity. Progress to date is on target towards this goal. Three new
founders bred in captivity for the first time in 2005.

A high infertility rate was observed in nests laid in the south-
ern sector of the QEII Botanic Park, where a new dominant male
had taken over a territory of five females, four of which were his
siblings. As a result of this unusual infertility, only 92 eggs were
initially viable from a total of 166 eggs laid in both the captive
and free-roaming populations. The dominant Park male was
taken back into captivity to allow unrelated males to claim this
territory for the 2006 breeding season.

One hundred new hatchling cages were prefabricated and
flat-packed in the USA as the result of a three-month IRCF cam-
paign to secure funds and a manufacturer capable of a cus-
tomized design in time for the August hatch. These cages were
subsequently assembled in Grand Cayman by volunteers from
the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Central. These lightweight

Grand Cayman Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi).

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cages are holding the 2005 hatch until the next iguana release in
December frees cage space at the facility. Again, with IRCF assis-
tance, funds are currently being sought to complete a security
fence around the facility, which will also serve to secure tour
income to the program.

A custom non-profit company, Tours for Nature Ltd., has
been formed and has secured a contract with Royal Caribbean
Cruise lines and Celebrity Cruises to operate cruise passenger
tours to the Blue Iguana facility with all profits going to the pro-
gram. Tours are now operational and are expected to generate
useful revenue for the first time in the coming winter tourist sea-
son. Tours are also being expanded to cater to on-island bookings
for guests at major hotels.

The program is collaborating with the Fort Worth Zoo in a
project to characterize the physical, climatic, and dietary environ-
ment in the successful captive-breeding facility on Grand
Cayman, and to compare this to enclosures at Gladys Porter
(Brownsville, Texas) and Indianapolis zoos, where captive breed-
ing has been less successful to date. Results are intended to guide
ex-situ captive managers in efforts to improve breeding success,
which is currently one constraint on achieving ex-situ population
goals for this species.

The first Species Recovery Plan for C. lewisi (2001–2005)
has now run its course. Achievements were reviewed and a new
plan developed in a workshop hosted by the Grand Caymanian
Resort on Grand Cayman in September 2005. Local participants
represented the BIRP staff, the National Trust for the Cayman
Islands, and the Cayman Islands Department of Environment.
Visiting participants came from Durrell Wildlife Conservation
Trust, San Diego Zoo, ISG/IIF, and IRCF. The workshop was
facilitated by Simon Hicks.

Review of the 2001–5 plan showed that the protected area
goals were substantially not met, but that all other goals in the
plan (population restocking, captive breeding, education and
awareness, and resource development) have been met and in
some cases surpassed. Over the period 2002–5, while the Blue
Iguana Recovery Program has been fully operational, consider-
able funds have been raised and substantially expended in imple-
menting this plan. These reflect both the ambitious scope of
work achieved, and the often unavoidably high cost of doing
business in the Cayman Islands. The majority was contributed
by corporate donors within the Cayman Islands. Other leading
sources of project financing were raised and channeled through
the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the International Reptile
Conservation Foundation, and the International Iguana
Foundation. Income from commercial activity (retail products
and tours) has been relatively insignificant, but is now targeted
to expand.

Volunteerism has expanded greatly. Notable volunteer
resources have been recruited internationally via IRCF, and
locally through service clubs and individual long-term volunteers.
The program now has three full time staff: a volunteer director
and two salaried wardens. IRCF continues to provide extensive
free services equivalent to additional program staff, as well as con-
sistent contributions from other overseas participants who made
commitments in the 2001–5 SRP. The cumulative effect has
been a massive savings on the cash cost of the work achieved.

The new Species Recovery Plan 2006–2010 calls for
300–500 acres of xerophytic shrubland on Grand Cayman to be
protected in order to support a restored population of at least
1,000 Blue Iguanas. Plans have been extended to breed and rear
sufficient genetically optimal iguanas for release, to safeguard the
species via an ex-situ captive population, to continue education
and awareness activities, and to further build the financial,
human, and technical resources that will be essential to save this
species.

Ricord’s Iguana
Jan Ramer

Indianapolis Zoo
Grupo Jaragua, ZooDom, and Indianapolis Zoo have been work-
ing together to develop a Ricord’s Iguana (Cyclura ricordii) cur-
riculum directed toward the 3rd grade classroom. This work is
funded by grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -
Wildlife Without Borders Latin America and Caribbean
Program, and AZA’s Conservation Endowment Fund. The cur-
riculum includes a booklet with natural history information
about the species and its habitat, vocabulary words, maps, etc.
Resource kits consist of a plastic bin that students will fill with
sand. Plastic eggs, cacti, thermometers, light bulbs, etc. allow stu-
dents to pretend to incubate eggs and take sand temperatures. A
game board with iguana questions and a poster are provided for
every classroom. Teacher workshops will be held in Santo
Domingo, and in the towns closest to Ricord’s Iguana habitat this
spring, and the curriculum will be implemented this fall. The

118 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2006 2005 ISG MEETING REPORTS

Ricord’s Iguana (Cyclura ricordii) at ZooDom.

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IGUANA  •  VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2006 1192005 ISG MEETING REPORTS

Dominican Department of Education is helping fund these
workshops! 

ZooDom’s four Ricord’s Iguana juveniles that hatched dur-
ing the ISG meeting in 2002 are all doing very well, and the ten
hatchlings from 2004 received PIT tags and physical exams in
April when Jan Ramer was there with a group of Indianapolis
Zoo members. The breeding pair was also examined and found
to be in good health.

Ernst Rupp, Grupo Jaragua, has been working hard in the
Pedernales habitat, recording hundreds of hatchlings last year.
Grupo Jaragua has worked tirelessly on local education and
involvement in the conservation program, and also in develop-
ing ecotourism opportunities in the area. Ernst received emer-
gency funds last fall from the International Iguana Foundation
to conduct survey work on the southern shore of Lago
Enriquillo, when he learned that one of the local senators was
planning to bulldoze a prime Ricord’s Iguana habitat to build
houses.

Indianapolis Zoo, Grupo Jaragua, and Durrell Wildlife
Conservation Trust recently submitted a proposal to the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service to continue population and habitat analysis
in all three known Ricord’s Iguana habitats and to conduct work-
shops for biology students and Department of Wildlife techni-
cians. If funded, this work will continue through 2007.

Jamaican Iguana Recovery Project
Byron Wilson and Rick Van Veen
University of the West Indies, Mona

A grant for $20,000 (US) was recently obtained from the Disney
Wildlife Conservation Trust (submitted through the IIF).

Additional funds to support work over the past year were
obtained from the International Iguana Foundation, the
International Iguana Society, Conservation International, and the
Miami Metrozoo. Two new GPS units were purchased with
funds from a New Initiative grant awarded to Byron Wilson
(BSW) from the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Research and Outreach Activities.—We continued to encour-
age protection of the Hellshire Hills ecosystem through the par-
ticipation of other researchers and interested parties. In the past
year, we initiated a new project focusing on the intestinal para-
sites of wild pigs (with Professor Ralph Robinson and postgrad-
uate student Chinedu Okoro from UWI). Ms. Tamia Harker has
just begun a postgraduate program (with BSW) that will involve
sea turtle work along the Hellshire coast, and Dr. Dave Miller
(Geography and Geology, UWI) has been conducting research
on the beach profile dynamics of Manatee Bay. Other notable vis-
itors included Dr. William Cooper and Dr. Karl Rollings. In
addition, we coordinated camping field trips for three different
UWI courses (two in conservation biology, one in forest ecology).
We also recently hosted an overnight excursion for the Jamaican
Geographical Society, and assisted with a children’s show for local
television, “Hello World Jamaica” on CVM-TV. In short, we are
trying to get as many people involved and interested in conserv-
ing the Hellshire Hills as possible.

Pitfall Trapping Experiment.—This field experiment, exam-
ining the impact of mongoose control on the terrestrial herpeto-
fauna of the Hellshire Hills, proceeded into its ninth year. The
2005 results were not remarkable in terms of faunal abundance.
2006 should be an interesting year due to anticipated increases
in faunal abundance resulting from high levels of productivity

Jamaican Iguana (Cyclura collei).

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spurred by high levels of rainfall. In addition, removal trapping
of mongooses and other mammalian predators from control plots
will be conducted during the period of pitfall trapping assess-
ments, to remove the confounding influence of predators tam-
pering with traps or trapped specimens.

Headstart and Release.—In conjunction with the Fort Worth
Zoo, in February 2005, we released 15 headstarted C. collei into
the core iguana conservation zone. Three UWI undergraduate
students also participated in the release, which brought the total
number of repatriated headstarters to 75.

2005 Nesting Season.—The first nest was deposited on 24
May, and the last nest was deposited on 20 June. A total of 14
nests were recorded from the two known communal nesting sites
(i.e., “Upper” and “Lower”). Dawn Fleuchaus and Stephanie
Wicker assisted with nest watches, as they did during the 2004
nesting season. Iguanas attempted to nest at the two new nesting
areas identified in 2004, but abandoned the effort after the areas
were disturbed by wild pigs. One new nesting area was discov-
ered in a rock hole, with eggshell fragments indicating that seven
hatchlings emerged in the 2005 season; additional evidence of
nesting from previous year(s) was also noted.

South Camp Reconstruction.—Our primary research station
(“South Camp”) was severely damaged during Hurricane Ivan in
September 2004. Using discounted and salvaged materials, South
Camp was re-built in June 2005 with major assistance from
Brian and Stephanie Wicker and Larry and Dawn Fleuchaus. In
particular, Brian and Larry, both professional tradesmen, put in
several days of hard labor and saw the reconstruction effort
through to near completion. We are indebted to them all for their
hard work, good company, and donations of tools and other
camp toys.

Invasive Predator Control.—Predator-control efforts con-
tinue to make the core iguana area a safer place for young igua-
nas and other threatened wildlife species. In addition to the
55–60 small mammal traps that are operated continuously, we
also expanded our wild pig and dog control efforts through the
deployment of additional snares. Catch totals for the period
include: 7 cats, ~85 mongooses, 25+ pigs, ~50 rats, and 0 dogs.
The main problem with our anti-invasive effort continues to be
the difficult nature of cat control. Some individuals are simply
not trappable by our current methods. Because leg-hold traps and
poisons would pose a risk to native wildlife species, the only solu-
tion is to obtain a small caliber rifle outfitted with a spotlight and
a silencer. This piece of equipment is at the top of our wish list,
but the legal (and illegal) gun situation in Jamaica is not con-
ducive to making this a reality. We would also like to expand our
present trapping grid to include a loop trail outside the existing
trapping loop. Recent radio-telemetry results indicate that such
an expansion would enhance post-natal dispersal in C. collei (see
below). The current trapping program remains a major effort,
owing primarily to the difficulty of accessing the remote interior
Hellshire location, not to mention the logistical obstacles posed
by the transport of equipment and traps to remote sites.
However, continuous removal of mammalian predators is
arguably the only conservation activity that is improving condi-
tions for wild iguanas in Hellshire. We thank other members of
the trapping team for their efforts, especially Marlon Osborne
and Edwin Duffus.

2005 Hatching Season.—The 2005 hatching season was
extraordinarily successful, with a minimum of 157 hatchlings
recorded for the season (2.5 times as many as 2004). Interestingly,
and probably attributable to wetter incubation conditions, the
average SVL and mass of hatchlings in 2005 was notably greater
than in 2004. Twenty hatchlings were taken to the Hope Zoo for
headstarting, 41 participated in a radio-telemetry study (see
below), and the remainder were marked and released.

Radio-Telemetry of Hatchlings.—Forty-one hatchlings were
outfitted with radio transmitters, of which six slipped out of their
harnesses almost immediately; hence, data were collected for 35
individuals. Activity patterns and hide-site selection were similar
to patterns observed in 2004, although dispersal distances were
greater. High mortality attributable to mongoose and cat preda-
tion was also noted. Preliminary analysis of mortality data indi-
cates that hatchlings that disperse out of the predator-controlled
area are doomed. Direct observation of mongoose predation on
a transmittered hatchling was also observed, and one hatchling
was tracked to the stomach of a young Jamaican Boa (Epicrates
subflavus). Detailed data on dispersal, post-dispersal settling, and
subsequent behavior were also obtained. Still on-going, the study
will conclude in early December 2005.

Goat Islands.—Two reconnaissance trips were made to the
Goat Islands in 2005. The habitat still looks relatively intact, but
a rumored organized charcoal operation on Great Goat Island is
of great concern. As always, the critical impediment to a Goat
Islands rehabilitation program concerns the delegation of man-
agement authority. Recently, however, the Urban Development
Corporation (UDC) has finally been delegated management
authority for both of the Goat Islands, as well as for most of the
Hellshire Hills (the organization also owns those areas). We are
presently in discussions with UDC that should result in the sign-
ing of an MOU with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
(DWCT) and the Department of Life Sciences (UWI), so we can
initiate fund-raising activities and begin the restoration project.

2006 Objectives: (1) Continue existing initiatives (e.g.,
predator control, headstart and release, monitoring iguana pop-
ulation); (2) Radio telemetry of post-partum iguanas; (3)
Biological surveys of the Goat Islands; (4) Assessment of “west-
ern” and “eastern” Hellshire iguana populations; (5)
Consolidation of C. collei data sets; (6) Advocacy for manage-
ment capacity (UDC); (7) Formalization of Goat Island restora-
tion agreements (DWCT); (8) Initiation of genetic studies of
Jamaican Iguanas; (9) New postgraduate student to undertake
GIS-based habitat assessment of Hellshire; (10) Revision of
Species Recovery Program (Summer 2006?); (11) Iguana project
facility — Port Royal Marine Laboratory; (12) Fund-raising…

Turks and Caicos Iguana
Glenn Gerber and Allison Alberts

Zoological Society of San Diego
Translocations.—The recently established populations of Cyclura
carinata on French, Six Hills East, Bay, and Middle Cays were
last visited in April/May 2005. All of these populations have
exhibited excellent adult survivorship and growth rates. Average
adult sizes on all the translocation cays are now larger than those
documented for the source cays, Big Ambergris and Little Water.
Successful reproduction has occurred on all translocation cays

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IGUANA  •  VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2006 1212005 ISG MEETING REPORTS

each year since establishment (January 2002 for French, Bay, and
Middle Cays; January 2003 for Six Hills East Cay). All animals
captured in April/May 2005 from the first cohort of juveniles
produced on the cays were determined to be reproductively
mature, based on published size at maturity data (Iverson 1979).
Compared to the source populations, this represents a reduction
in age at maturity on the translocation cays from 6–7 years to
1.5–2.5 years. Accelerated growth rates on the translocation cays
are occurring despite significantly lower plant diversity than on
the source cays, and are attributed to low levels of intraspecific
competition on these cays relative to the dense source popula-
tions. Growth trajectories are expected to decrease as population
densities increase.

Big Ambergris Cay.—Development activities on Big
Ambergris Cay have increased dramatically in the past year due
to new partnerships with outside developers and resulting in
establishment of the Turks and Caicos Sporting Club. Irreparable
damage to native habitats was already underway in April 2005
during our last visit, and recent reports from Big Ambergris by
TCI-based colleagues are extremely grim. Heavy machinery of all
kinds is in daily use and no visible effort is being made with
regard to iguanas or other wildlife.

Little Water Cay.—Cats, which first crossed the sandbar con-
necting this cay to Water and Pine Cays in 2000, are still the
major concern for this otherwise protected population. A small-
scale cat-trapping program that was initiated last year resulted in
the capture and removal of three cats from the island’s southern
end, but this program was suspended in the spring of 2005 and
has not yet been reinstated due to a shortage of TCNT staff. No
sign of cats was seen during my last visit at the southern board-
walk study site in May 2005, and recent reports from Bryan

Manco of the TCNT suggest that this is still the case. Cats were
still in evidence at the northern boardwalk study site in May, and
their impact on this population (most notably juveniles) is grad-
ually becoming evident. Gerber will accompany a team from
Island Conservation to Little Water, Water, and Pine Cays in
March 2006 to assess the situation and begin the preparations
necessary for full-scale cat and rat eradications. In collaboration
with engineers at Johnston’s International, efforts are underway
to produce and price a fence design that will stretch across the
sandbar and isolate Little Water Cay from Water and Pine Cays.
Johnston’s has offered to install the fence for free.

Caribbean Wildlife Foundation.—The Zoological Society of
San Diego is helping to establish a non-profit conservation organ-
ization in the TCI through the donation of boats and equipment
that have been dedicated to the TCI iguana project for the past
five years, and by covering legal fees associated with incorpora-
tion. The new non-profit (tentatively called the “Caribbean
Wildlife Foundation”) should be functional by mid-2006.
Operation will depend on securing outside funding through
grants, donations, and other sources. While much of the initial
focus will undoubtedly be on iguanas and the TCI, the organi-
zation will not be bound to these taxonomic or geographic
restrictions. As a non-profit based in a Caribbean country, the
foundation will be eligible for a variety of funding sources closed
to US- or UK-based non-profits.

Cyclura cychlura figginsi
Charles R. Knapp

John G. Shedd Aquarium and University of Florida
Iguana populations in the Exumas were monitored briefly in
May 2005 by the Shedd Aquarium. The translocated C. c. fig-
ginsi population on Pasture Cay (see past ISG reports for historic
details) was visited for 1.5 days, but only six adult iguanas were
seen or captured. Pasture Cay is inhabited by rats, and this pop-
ulation is being used to investigate the potential impacts of rats
on the growth of iguana populations. Sixteen iguanas were
translocated originally in 2002. Three iguanas (two in 2003 and
one in 2005) have been confirmed dead and six alive. The oth-
ers remain missing. The lack of adults is a strong concern but
mitigated slightly by the presence of hatchlings and juveniles. We
have documented extraordinary growth rates in recaptured juve-
niles. The unintended translocation of a male-biased propagule
is suspected as the reason for the apparent loss of adult iguanas.
Intensive monitoring of the population is needed to study the
long-term effects of the male-biased translocated colony.

Bitter Guana and Gaulin Cays were monitored for a total of
four days resulting in 45 iguana captures (18 recaptures). The
goats reported previously on Gaulin Cay were not seen; however,
we documented the larvae of Cactoblastis cactorum for the first
time on an Opuntia cactus pad. The iguana education signs
posted originally in 1998 have fallen and must be replaced. Bitter
Guana Cay was surveyed briefly and two goats were observed.
Our concern is the substantial increase in tourist traffic on the
two cays, especially Gaulin Cay. Over the past decade, we rarely
observed tourists on Gaulin Cay. However, tourists were observed
on the cay each day. The visitors come from Staniel Cay located
immediately north of the cays. The tourists are being told to visit
the island and feed the iguanas. This is a concern because visitorTurks and Caicos Rock Iguana (Cyclura carinata).

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traffic in the Exuma Cays has been increasing substantially over
the past decade. Many of these tourists land on cays inhabited by
iguanas. For example, the Allen Cays in the northern Exumas
experience up to 600 people each week from one-day Nassau
excursions. The islands in the southern Exumas also receive high-
impact visitors from Great Exuma aboard one-day excursion
tourist trips. Consequently, few iguana populations in the
Exumas remain free from visitor impacts. Visitors purposely feed
the iguanas, thus altering their natural behavior and potentially
their health. A study should be initiated to investigate the poten-
tial impacts of visitor traffic on iguana populations in the
Exumas.

The Exuma Island Iguana occurs on only seven cays in the
archipelago, and the total population does not exceed 1500 indi-
viduals. Protection offered in the form of isolation is being eroded
as more yachtsmen cruise the Exumas and islands are leased.
Humans bring with them their dogs, cats, and unwittingly dele-
terious behavior of feeding the lizards. I have become increasingly
concerned for the Exuma iguanas over the last two years because
of elevated human activity on the cays they inhabit. More pro-
tection in the form of signs with rules should be offered to the
few populations remaining throughout the Exumas.

25-Year Overview for Cyclura cychlura inornata
John Iverson

Earlham College
We continued our study of the Allen Cays Rock Iguana with
fieldwork in May 2005. Analysis of the mark-recapture data for
subadults and adults (>25 cm snout-vent length) over the first 25

years of field work (1980–2004) using Program MARK (cour-
tesy Gary White at Colorado State University) demonstrated
that: (1) the two natural populations of Leaf and U Cays have
more than doubled over those 25 years (total populations on Leaf
and U Cay now number about 600 and 300, respectively, exclud-
ing young of the year); (2) the sex ratio on both islands has
shifted from about two males per female in the early 1980s to
one-to-one currently; (3) annual adult survivorship has averaged
about 90% (although higher in the shy females than the bolder
males, and higher on U Cay than Leaf Cay, where tourist visita-
tion and feeding is much higher); and (4) population growth has
slowed to near zero over the last few years. Our analysis suggests
that the two populations are approaching or have exceeded the

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Exuma Island Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura figginsi).

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carrying capacity (K) of their respective islands (with standing
crop biomass exceeding 100 kg/ha on Leaf Cay).

The fact that adult survivorship is higher on Leaf than U Cay
and yet annual population growth rate on Leaf Cay has exceeded
that on U Cay seems antithetical. However, we believe this pat-
tern is a result of higher juvenile mortality on U than Leaf Cay.
Preliminary data on nest survivorship for two years (2001–2002)
support this hypothesis. Nesting areas on U Cay are less than one
meter above sea level, and have wetter, more easily saturated soils.
Storms during hatching season in September can cause the suffo-
cation of late-stage eggs or hatchlings in the nest.

During our fieldwork in May 2005, we also visited two
other islands onto which iguanas were apparently introduced,
and we discovered a third. One of these islands had no iguanas
in 1996, but now has at least 40, representing all size classes.
Fieldwork in March 2006 will focus on more rigorous surveys of
these translocated populations, as well as the exploration of many
other small cays in the northern Exumas to which iguanas may
also have been introduced.

Cyclura pinguis
Kelly Bradley1 and Glenn Gerber2

1Dallas Zoo and  2Zoological Society of San Diego
The Anegada Iguana headstart and release program is going very
well, with a consistently high rate of survival. The first 24 head-
started iguanas to be returned to the wild were released in
October 2003 and ranged in size from 2050–750 g. Survival after
two years has been 79%, with 19 animals still alive. The 24 ani-

mals released in 2004 ranged from 1540–600 g. After one year,
this group has experienced an 88% survival rate with 21 animals
still living.

Because the smallest animals from the 2003 and 2004
releases survived, we decided to further reduce animal size for the
October 2005 releases. This past fall, an additional 24 iguanas
were released, ranging in size from 1055–415 g. The same release
strategy was used as in years past. Twelve animals (6.6) of equiv-
alent sizes were released at each of two study sites: rocky wood-
land on Middle Cay and sandy scrub in Bones Bight.

The eight smallest iguanas ranged in size from 612–415 g
and received internal transmitters to insure our ability to moni-
tor them long-term. Dr. Bonnie Raphael and Nina Palmer from
the Wildlife Conservation Society conducted the health screen-
ings and transmitter implantation surgeries. The 16 remaining
iguanas were fitted with external transmitters attached to the
nuchal crest with nylon coated stainless steel wire and crimping
tubes.

All of the animals were released into the wild during the first
week of October. The iguanas were tracked daily for the first
month, after which survival was 100%. The first follow-up mon-
itoring trip took place in December 2005. After 60 days, 22 ani-
mals were still alive, representing a 91% survival rate. Additional
follow-up trips will take place in February, May, July, and
October 2006.

Conservation Outreach for the Anegada Iguana
Lee Pagni

Zoological Society of San Diego
Conservation Education continues to play an important role in
the recovery of the Anegada Iguana (Cyclura pinguis). With
momentum building from previous years’ activities, 2005 saw
numerous conservation education activities related to the recov-
ery program.

The program received a grant from the IUCN’s Sir Peter
Scott Fund for creating outreach materials to include an interpre-
tive guide to the headstart facility, a poster, and complementary
brochure to raise local awareness about recovery efforts. These
materials will be produced and distributed in 2006. Funding was
also received from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
for capacity building of local educators. These funds were used
to cover travel expenses for a group of 12 educators from the BVI
to attend a one-day workshop on environmental education coor-
dinated by the Virgin Island Network of Environmental educa-
tors (VINE), based in St. Thomas, USVI, the BVI National
Parks Trust, and the San Diego Zoo. A grant from the Institute
of Museum and Library Services helped fund outreach for a
genetic analysis of the San Diego Zoo’s captive group of Anegada
Iguanas. The outreach activities include a secondary-level lesson
on microsatellite DNA that is posted on the San Diego Zoo’s
website.

An annual highlight is the release of headstarted iguanas
back to the wild. This year, 11 members of the Anegada commu-
nity took part in the October releases. Besides bringing more
awareness to the headstart program, local involvement in these
types of activities is important to improving local support for
other recovery efforts that include protecting key habitat and con-
trolling feral predators.Anegada Iguana (Cyclura pinguis) from Anegada.

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Finally, outreach efforts were not restricted to the Caribbean.
Middle-school students from the San Diego Zoo’s ZooCorps
program took part in important outreach activities. First, the
group learned about Anegada Iguana conservation, produced a
display about what they learned, and educated visitors to the zoo
about the recovery program. ZooCorps members also created
“genetic jewelry” based on a sequence of an Anegada Iguana gene.
These colorful and genetically accurate beaded necklaces were
given to students on Anegada during an outreach presentation
by Kelly Bradley of the Dallas Zoo.

Fijian Iguana Update
Peter Harlow
Taronga Zoo

Thanks to the 18 Iguana Specialist Group members and all the
other international specialists who made the long and expensive
trip to Fiji for the “Conservation and Management Plan
Workshop for Fijian Iguanas” in November 2004. The Species
Recovery Plan from the workshop should be finalized and
printed in early 2006. Several of the recommendations from the
workshop have already been completed or are currently being
implemented.

Two reports recommended by the workshop have been
completed: the first, titled “Survey Techniques and Data Analyses
for Estimating Fijian Iguana Abundance” (by Peter Harlow and
Pita Biciloa), has been printed and distributed to all potential
users in Fiji. This is a user-friendly description of how to conduct

line-transect surveys and analyze the data using distance-survey
techniques to obtain abundance estimates for both species of
Fijian iguanas.

The second report, “Invasive Plant Assessment and Weed
Management Plan for the Fijian Crested Iguana Sanctuary island
of Yadua Taba” (by Jennifer Taylor, Peter Harlow, and Jone
Niukula) has been printed and distributed. Four species of inva-
sive plants were identified as needing intervention to control and
eventually remove from Yadua Taba: Rain Tree, Wedelia trilobata,
Guava, and Lantana. These species are continuing to spread on
Yadua Taba and thus decrease the amount of dry forest habitat
available for Crested Iguanas (Brachylophus vitiensis). Over 300
rain trees have so far been poisoned, which is more than half of
the estimated total on the island. The report includes a five-year
plan for the removal of these four invasive species by the sanctu-
ary ranger.

This project began in July 2003, and by September 2005,
Wedelia trilobata or “Trailing Daisy,” as it is also called, had been
totally eradicated from the island by intensive hand removal. This
species is native to the Caribbean, but is highly invasive in the
Pacific, covering the forest floor with a foot-thick layer of intercon-
nected plants and choking potential iguana nesting habitat. The
successful removal of this species from Yadua Taba is the first record
of an invasive plant species being removed from any island in Fiji.

In September 2005, Clare Morrison, Isaac Rounds, Nunia
Thomas (University of South Pacific), Pita Biciloa and Jone
Niukula (Fiji National Trust), and Peter Harlow (Taronga Zoo)

124 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2006 2005 ISG MEETING REPORTS

Fijian Crested Iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis).

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completed the first of four two-week field trips to Yadua Taba
Crested Iguana Sanctuary. We collected tree-use data and buck-
ets of iguana fecal material (for later analyses) to obtain a better
picture of Crested Iguana diet across all seasons. Six permanent
transects were established and complete vegetation and iguana
surveys along each transect were completed. Knowledge of the
dietary requirements of this herbivorous species across all seasons
is needed to assess potential islands suitable for future transloca-
tion of Fijian Crested Iguanas, or for forest restoration on
degraded islands. The second trip took place in December 2005,
and the fourth and final field trip is scheduled for July 2006.

In September 2005, Craig Morley (University of South
Pacific) and Peter Harlow, with local assistance, completed a rapid
survey of Crested Iguanas on the 40-ha island of Macuata, where
Crested Iguanas were re-discovered in 2004. Based on 22 night-
time sightings along 800 m of transect, an average of 25 iguanas
per hectare of forest occur on the island, and almost half this
island is currently covered in regenerating forest. This island is
one kilometer off the northern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest
island, and about two hours by road from the capital of Suva. It
is privately owned, and was heavily burned and goat grazed until
1994, when goats were removed. The forest is now recovering,
and most of the iguana’s favorite food tree species are present but
in low abundance. This island is second in importance after
Yadua Taba for the long-term conservation of the Crested Iguana,
and together with Yadua Taba, these are the only Crested Iguana
populations in Fiji where numbers are stable or increasing.

Doctoral student Suzie Morrison from the Australian
National University (Canberra) began her field research on Yadua

Taba in September 2005. Suzie and her partner, Zach Pierce, will
be using mark-recapture and radio-tracking techniques to gather
basic biological data on reproduction, juvenile recruitment, and
habitat requirements of Crested Iguanas. Other projects include
seed dispersal by iguanas and rats, the effects of the introduced
invasive “crazy ant” on Crested Iguanas and their habitat, and dry
forest restoration projects. See their project website at:
http://www.fijiancrestediguana.com/

Mona Island Iguana, Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri
Miguel García

Puerto Rico Department of Natural 
and Environmental Resources

The endemic Mona Island Iguana, Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri, has
been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and
the Regulation to Govern the Endangered and Threatened
Species of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This is because
the species exhibits a limited distribution, relatively low popula-
tion numbers, and reduced recruitment of juveniles into the
breeding stage. Therefore, a head-start program was started in
1999 and is conducted by the Department of Natural and
Environmental Resources (PRDNER), the Toledo Zoo, and the
University of Puerto Rico. By October 2005, 87 headstarted
iguanas had been released and 33 animals had been recaptured.
We have recorded dispersal data for nine individuals and found
relatively large home ranges, ranging from 2.4–22.2 ha. The aver-
age home range (MCP) for all individuals was 19.8 ha. All of the
headstarted iguanas observed are active and in good health, indi-
cating the success of this management strategy.

Mona Island Rock Iguana (Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri).

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In summary: (1) No released iguanas have been found dead;
(2) Relatively large home ranges; (3) Survivorship data are still
being recorded by active searching of marked individuals (with
or without radios); (4) Population and Habitat Viability
Assessment is needed to determine number of released iguanas
necessary to obtain a positive and sustained population growth.

Cyclura nubila on Isla Magueyes, Puerto Rico
Miguel García

Puerto Rico Department of Natural 
and Environmental Resources

The introduced population of Cuban Iguanas on Isla Magueyes
has become a problem. These lizards are very charismatic, but the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has a strict public policy against
exotic biota. Only researchers, students, and field workers (no
tourists) are allowed on the island, but the animals have been fed
and are now aggressive and numerous (~500 on 7.2 ha).

A discussion of this issue was held among ISG members and
key points are listed below. A sub-group was formed to help the
Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental
Resources find an acceptable solution to this dilemma.

Issues include: (1) The population is exempt from the U.S.
ESA rules because it is an introduced population. Legally, the ani-
mals could be moved from the island to the pet trade within the
U.S. Placing the animals in the U.S. pet trade poses serious risks
that include improper care, undesirable precedent, and potential
release and conversion to a new feral population. (2) This is a
CITES I-listed species, so trade within the U.S. is not regulated.

Translocating iguanas back to Cuba would involve U.S. export
and Cuban import permits. Translocation back to Cuba is zoonot-
ically risky to other herpetofauna. (3) The Cuban government
should be contacted by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural
and Environmental Resources to assess their interest and involve-
ment in the future of this population. (4) The ISG is concerned
about stating a policy in the event of backlash, preferring instead
to have the Puerto Rican government decide policy and the ISG
then advising on the potential problems of any action. (5) The
establishment of colonies on mainland Puerto Rico is unlikely
because of many predators even though the over-water distance is
short. (6) A control plan is needed with an analysis of harvesting
of adults through relocation (outside Puerto Rico), stopping pop-
ulation growth (nest destruction), and euthanasia (last resort).

Molecular Analysis of the Ctenosaurs of 
Nuclear Central America: Insights into Speciation,

Conservation, and Management
Stesha Pasachnik

University of Tennessee
Mesoamerica has been defined as one of the Earth’s biodiversity
hotspots. The Ctenosaura group exemplifies this pattern because
it is an incredibly species-rich clade; however, it has received lit-
tle attention thus far in scientific research. In order to evaluate
plausible explanations for speciation within this clade, I plan to:
(1) construct a molecular phylogeny of the iguanas of the
Ctenosaura melanosterna complex inhabiting the Caribbean bor-
ders and islands of Honduras, the heart of Mesoamerica (using

126 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2006 2005 ISG MEETING REPORTS

Honduran Black-chested Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura melanosterna).

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the C. quinquecarinata complex as an outgroup); (2) investigate
the colonization by C. bakeri, C. similis, C. melanosterna, and C.
oedirhina of the Bay Islands, Cayos Cochinos, and various
Caribbean islets bordering Honduras; and (3) document the
degree and directions of hybridization, between endemic C. bak-
eri and a wide-ranging congener, C. similis, on the island of Utila,
Bay Islands, Honduras. This study will provide insight into diver-
sity, species status, and the conservation and management strate-
gies that are necessary to preserve species in the Ctenosaura
melanosterna complex.

Genetic Studies Update
Catherine Stephen

Utah Valley State College
Iguana Phylogeography.—Iguana consists of two species, I. iguana
and I. delicatissima. Whereas I. delicatissima historically has a very
limited range restricted to the Lesser Antilles, I. iguana is found
throughout the Neotropics and the Lesser Antilles (Burghardt
and Rand 1982). Iguana iguana is unlikely to constitute a single
interbreeding population, given the enormous physical distances
and barriers to gene flow. We are using nuclear and mitochondr-
ial DNA-sequence data to explore the phylogeographic history
of this species. Samples included in the preliminary analysis have
been collected from 17 different countries. Results from both
data sets show a congruent, deep lineage divergence between the
Central American populations and the South American plus
Lesser Antillean populations of Green Iguanas. The topology of
the phylogeny indicates that Iguana iguana arose on the South
American continent and radiated much more recently into
Central America.

Subfamily Iguaninae Phylogenetics.—Iguaninae is an ancient
group with eight modern genera distributed throughout the
Western Hemisphere and the Fijian Archipelago. Previous mor-
phological and molecular studies of iguanine relationships have
relied on incomplete sample sets that yielded conflicting topolo-
gies. The subfamily collectively spans thousands of miles across
multiple geographical boundaries and exhibits a high degree of
regional and island endemism. Because of its age and distribu-
tion, the group is uniquely suited to test biogeographic hypothe-
ses, such as suggested occurrences of past refugia or relictual frag-
ments, as well as allow empirical evaluation of molecular clock
models. In order to generate a robust phylogeny, we have col-
lected DNA-sequence data at four loci (two nuclear and two
mitochondrial) for all eight genera, including 28 of the iguanine
species. Phylogenies generated from maximum likelihood analy-
sis of separate data sets result in congruent phylogenies with vary-
ing levels of resolution.

Preliminary analyses strongly support Dipsosaurus as the
most basal lineage in the subfamily, followed by an early disper-
sal of Brachylophus to the Fijian Archipelago and a subsequent
divergence of the Cyclura lineage. A sister relationship between
Sauromalus and Iguana is supported by the combined analysis,
and this clade is sister group to the rest of the subfamily
(Ctenosaura, Amblyrhynchus, and Conolophus). Interestingly,
Ctenosaura defensor falls outside of the Ctenosaur clade in the three
data sets in which it was included.

Booby Cay Study.—Cyclura carinata, a Bahamian Rock
Iguana, currently has two recognized subspecies. Cyclura c. cari-
nata is found on several islands and cays throughout the Turks and
Caicos Islands. The second subspecies, C. c. bartschi, is now

Bartsch’s Rock Iguana (Cyclura carinata bartschi) from Booby Cay.

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known only to exist on Booby Cay, a small island off Mayaguana
Island, Bahamas, which is also within the subspecies’ historic
range. Support for subspecific status is weak. Geographic isolation
appears to be the only strong indicator of genetic isolation. Recent
conservation attempts made on the species’ behalf have raised
questions regarding the taxonomic status of the subspecies. We
used mtDNA-sequence data to ask whether any genetic variation
distinguishes C. c. bartschi from several sampled populations of C.
c. carinata. Our findings show that the Booby Cay population of
C. carinata is fixed for a common mtDNA haplotype found in
Caicos Island populations of C. carinata. In contrast, four differ-
ent haplotypes were found among populations designated C. c.
carinata. We conclude that evidence is insufficient to support C.
c. bartschi as a subspecies and recommend that the Booby Cay
population of C. carinata be included in ongoing conservation
efforts currently focused on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Bartsch’s Rock Iguana, (Cyclura carinata bartschi)
Steve Conners, Joe Wasilewski, 
Joe Burgess, and John Bendon

The population of Cyclura carinata bartschi found only on Booby
Cay, Mayaguana, Bahamas has been monitored annually since
1998. Repeated observations by a core group of team members
indicate that the population has remained healthy and stable over
this time period. All size classes and sexes have been seen during
each visit despite the continued presence of introduced goats,
rats, and a strong hurricane. Human activity (periodic camping
by fishermen) on the island has had no negative impact on the

iguanas. Interviews with local residents indicate that harvesting
of goats may be increasing, which would reduce their population,
and thus their impact on the vegetation. Currently, 50 individ-
ual iguanas are marked, but few recaptures have been made.
Iguanas were observed foraging on seagrass during extremely low
tides. A set of transect surveys has been completed, resulting in a
conservative population estimate of 14.5 lizards/ha, or a total
population of 558 animals on the Cay. We recommend that
annual monitoring of this population continue.

International Iguana Foundation Report
Rick Hudson
Fort Worth Zoo

The International Iguana Foundation (IIF) currently has 14
Board members representing zoos, NGOs, corporations, and
foundations; the group is largely U.S.-based with one foreign
partner (Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust). To date
(December 2005), nearly $400,000 has been raised through a
combination of annual Board pledges, grants, and donations.
The IIF has received and administered over $120,000 in grants
from a number of sources including AZA Conservation
Endowment Fund, Morris Animal Foundation, SSC Sir Peter
Scott Conservation Action Fund, Conservation International,
and a host of zoos. One of the IIF’s most generous sponsors has
been the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (DWCF), which
has awarded $68,750 to the IIF for iguana programs in Grand
Cayman (2002–2003), Turks and Caicos Islands (2004), and
Jamaica (2005).

128 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2006 2005 ISG MEETING REPORTS

Resident male Cyclura cychlura cychlura at Tiamo Resort, Andros.

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Where have these funds gone? The IIF has awarded just over
$170,000 over four grant cycles (including the recent 2005
awards) to support iguana conservation work in Grand Cayman,
Jamaica, Anegada, St Lucia, Dominican Republic, Isla Mona, the
Bahamas, and Fiji. Funds also have been raised to support major
projects that include emergency relief efforts for Hurricane Ivan
damage ($17,000), Hope Zoo iguana facility renovations
($9,000), and the development of a feral mammal control plan
for Anegada ($11,000, thanks to San Diego Zoo). Highlights of
some of the projects and programs that IIF has supported include:

• Salary support for manager of the Blue Iguana headstart and
breeding facility on Grand Cayman

• Support for the release and monitoring of 23 Blue Iguanas
in Grand Cayman’s Salina Reserve in 2005–6

• Support for biologist Rick Van Veen’s salary to conduct field-
work in Jamaica’s Hellshire Hills, where he is solving many
mysteries on the life (and death) of the Jamaican Iguana

• Support for the ongoing predator control effort in Hellshire
Hills and studying the impact of their removal

• Support for the repatriation of 28 headstarted Jamaican
Iguanas (2003 and 2005)

• Provided support to the ongoing iguana headstart program
at Jamaica’s Hope Zoo

• Support for field surveys and conservation research for the
Anegada Iguana recovery effort

• Funding for the pre-release health screening, repatriation, and
follow-up monitoring for 72 Anegada Iguanas (2003–2005)

• Assistance with the purchase of a dedicated project vehicle
for the Anegada field researchers (split with IRCF funds
from Daytona NRBA auction)

• Training and technical support for the Anegada Iguana
headstart program

• Funding of signage for the protected nesting area for the St.
Lucia Iguana

• Funding for research on the nesting ecology and hatchling
survival of the St. Lucia Iguana

• Funding to the NGO Grupo Jaragua to conduct field
research that led to the discovery of a major hotspot of

Ricord’s Iguana habitat in the Pedernales region of the
Dominican Republic

• Funding for the translocation of ten San Salvador Iguanas
from Green to Cut Cay in the Bahamas in 2005

• Funding for a new iguana population field assessment tech-
nique for the Mona Iguana

• Support for an ongoing natural history study for the Fiji
Crested Iguana on Yadua Taba

The IIF faces a number of major challenges in 2006; these
include the development of a strategic business plan, identifica-
tion of corporate partners, ramping up fund-raising efforts,
increasing visibility and exposure, and expanding content on the
IIF web site.

The IIF Board of Directors met on 9–10 November 2006
following the ISG meeting in South Andros, Bahamas. The
Board reviewed five proposals requesting a total of $53,473. Due
to funding constraints, the Board was able to award $31,864 to
the following five programs, four of which provide direct support
to iguana species ranked Critically Endangered by the IUCN
Red List (Brachylophus vitiensis, Cyclura lewisi, C. collei, and C.
pinguis). Subsequent to the meeting, emergency funds were
awarded for conservation of C. ricordii, also Critically
Endangered.

IRCF Report
John Binns

International Reptile Conservation Foundation
In December, IRCF was granted $36,400 by the Dart
Foundation toward improvements to the Blue Iguana Recovery
Program’s captive breeding and head-starting facility on Grand
Cayman. IRCF’s 501c3 status facilitated this grant, which will be
transferred to the Blue Iguana Conservation Fund on Grand
Cayman, where it will be utilized to refurbish and subdivide an
oversized breeding pen, complete a storage shed and food prepa-
ration area, install piped water throughout the facility, and sup-
plement funds already being raised by an IRCF web appeal to
erect a security and tour management fence for the facility.

Aerial view of Andros Island.

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